Chalk Painted Trays with French Graphics – My Dollar Store DIY

Chalk Painted Trays with French Graphics – a Dollar Store project!

There is nothing that I like more than when a creative spark fires. It is exhilarating, energizing and exciting! This month we have teamed up with a fabulous group of creatives, My Dollar Store DIY group. We will bring you seasonal DIY ideas that start from the aisles of the Dollar Store. Our project started as metal trays from the Dollar Tree. This is now a new favorite. Here’s how we created Chalk Painted Trays with French Graphics!

In the Beginning

Dollar Tree has tons of items that you can recreate into something else. Remember the DIY Extra Large Moss Balls and the Painted French Metal Planters. These ideas all generated from the Dollar Tree. When I spotted these metal trays, I wasn’t exactly sure in that moment what I was going to do with them – but I purchased two.

I love that they look like the vintage silver trays that I collect. Sitting at home, minding my own beeswax an idea suddenly popped into my head. Transform these trays into vintage artwork for Spring, Summer or Gardening! Following are all of the details so that you can them for your home.

Supplies Needed:

Metal trays form Dollar Tree

Chalk Paint in desired color. I used Annie Sloan Pure White

Black acrylic craft paint

ModPodge

Paintbrush. I used two different types. Feel free to use sponge brushes.

Printout with desired graphics.

Paper plate of paint vessel

Water

Scissors

Protective covering for craft space. I used waxed paper and a box

Let’s Get Started!

Tutorial:

Purchase metal trays from Dollar Tree

Paint each tray with two coats of chalk paint.

Let chalk paint dry completely.

Printout your chosen graphics. I will share my graphics at the end of this post.

Cutout graphics as close to the design line as possible.

Lay graphics out on the tray to see how they look.

Mix 1 tsp of black acrylic paint with 2 tsp of water.

Dip your finger into the watered-down black paint. Lightly rub your finger onto the rim of the tray to bring out the details.

Let the black paint dry completely.

Again, place all of your cutouts onto the tray to ensure proper placement.

This step is important as you may change your mind. I did – and put the designs on the opposite tray.

Layout waxed paper to protect your work area. Lay your cutout designs upside down on top of the waxed paper.

Pour ModPodge onto a plate.

Add ModPodge to the backside of your design. Be sure to add ModPodge to all of the edges.

Add your design pieces to the tray front. Be careful to not spread ModPodge to the front of your design. Dry completely.

So Pretty

Didn’t these turn out great? I honestly cannot tell that these are paper graphics. The key is using a good, thin layer of ModPodge especially at the edges.

This is a perfect Spring project. Vintage tulips, bees and French graphics. What more do you need?

For me, these beautiful trays only cost $2.00 as I already had the other materials in my stash. By the way, Dollar Tree also had small bottles of ModPodge and black craft paint. Just sayin’ 😃

If you want to use my graphics, just click the link or the photo. Easy, peasy!

Once again you have given me inspiration for a fun project. Your timing for this one is even more perfect. I am on house arrest with my lab who is recovering from knee surgery. I can do this with her in the x-pen right next to me. Thanks!